Golden day at Buckingham Palace for Duke of Edinburgh Award recipients

A royal reception at Buckingham Palace was attended by students, their families and staff from South Nottinghamshire Academy to mark the completion of the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. It was a fitting reward for years of dedication, commitment and growth by the students, who have undertaken community volunteering and challenging outdoor expeditions as part of the scheme.

Headteacher Dan Philpotts, who attended the celebration, said: "Stepping through the front gates, we were greeted by the grandeur of Buckingham Palace under the famous balcony and iconic façade." He described the joyous atmosphere, with a brass band playing in the background, deckchairs and garden games laid out on the vast lawns and an opportunity to relax and reflect in the sunshine.

Satellite stages played host to special guest speakers, including Clive Myrie, Alun Wyn Jones OBE, Kai Widdrington and Nadiya Bychkova, Milly Pickles and others, who shared their inspiring stories and life experiences – including their own DofE accomplishments. Mr Philpotts added: "Finally, His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, graced the West Terrace as the military band played the National Anthem.

"Prince Edward then took the time to personally greet as many awardees as possible, engaging in conversation and shared stories and achievements. It added a touch of intimacy to the occasion and made each interaction truly special and memorable." While this was a proud day for the awardees and their families, the invitation was also a recognition of the success of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme at South Nottinghamshire Academy over the last 12 years.

Mr Philpotts said: "I am amazed at how successful our Duke of Edinburgh provision has become. To see so many students achieving their Bronze, Silver and Gold awards is heartwarming. I am so grateful to our extended DofE staff team at SNA who volunteer so many hours of their own time to make this happen." Elissa Hawksworth leads on DofE for South Nottinghamshire Academy and Redhill Academy Trust and also attended the event.

Mrs Hawksworth said: "The DofE Gold Celebration at Buckingham Palace Gardens is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a memory to cherish for years to come. Our students not only carried with them an award but a sense of purpose and possibility that will guide them on the next stage of their journey, wherever it may lead. Both Mr Philpotts and I felt very privileged to have had the opportunity to share this experience."

Location: Radcliffe on Trent, Nottinghamshire